Fafrees F20 X-Max vs Fafrees F28 Pro
On the numbers that decide this pair, the Fafrees F28 Pro is 24.5 kg lighter than the Fafrees F20 X-Max. Everything else is below, including where it loses.
Range is our estimate under the reference ride, not the manufacturer's claim. Cost is over 5 years at 3,000 km a year, on the same formula the cost-of-ownership calculator runs. How we work this out
| Spec | Fafrees F20 X-Max | Fafrees F28 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated range | 83 km | 55 km |
| Battery | 1200 Wh | 749 Wh |
| Weight | 49 kg | 24.5 kg |
| Motor torque | 40 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Top speed | 24 km/h | 24 km/h |
| Price | $1,799 | $1,049 |
| 5-year cost | $2,077 | $1,509 |
Where each one wins
- Fafrees F28 Pro is 24.5 kg lighter.
- Fafrees F20 X-Max is 451 Wh more battery.
- Fafrees F20 X-Max is 28 km further on range.
The Fafrees F20 X-Max leads on 2 of these, the Fafrees F28 Pro on 1. Neither sweeps it, so the choice comes down to which of those you actually use.
Who each one is for
Fafrees F20 X-Max
Suits you if you want:
- folds, so it fits a boot, a train or a hallway
- rated to 150 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 83 km estimated, so a 41 km each-way commute has margin
What it asks in return:
- 40 Nm of torque, so long climbs will ask for your legs
- 49 kg, which is a bike you park rather than carry
Fafrees F28 Pro
Suits you if you want:
- rated to 120 kg of rider and luggage together
- about 55 km estimated, which covers a 27 km each-way commute
What it asks in return:
- 40 Nm of torque, so long climbs will ask for your legs
Each line above is read straight from the specification: torque, weight, payload, battery and our range estimate. Nothing here is a preference, and neither bike is being recommended over the other.
What each one costs to own
Over 5 years the Fafrees F28 Pro costs about 526 EUR less to own, once purchase, charging, servicing, a battery replacement where one is due, and resale are all counted.
That figure moves mostly on the battery. The Fafrees F20 X-Max covers about 64,000 km before its pack is due for replacement; the Fafrees F28 Pro, about 39,947 km. Ride less than that and the replacement never enters the sum.
| Over five years | Fafrees F20 X-Max | Fafrees F28 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | $1,799 | $1,049 |
| Charging | $68 | $68 |
| Servicing | $648 | $648 |
| Battery replacement | ||
| Resale value | $-438 | $-256 |
| Total | $2,077 | $1,509 |
Run these numbers on your own mileage
Which one to buy
- Pick the Fafrees F20 X-Max if you ride to the edge of the battery and dislike planning around it.
- Pick the Fafrees F20 X-Max if you would rather charge less often than carry less weight.
- Pick the Fafrees F28 Pro if you carry the bike up steps, onto a train, or into a flat.
- Pick the Fafrees F28 Pro if the five-year total is what you are optimising.
Verdict
On the measured axes the Fafrees F28 Pro is the better buy, and the Fafrees F20 X-Max needs a reason of its own: a colour, a frame, a shop you trust, a price that moves. None of those are in our numbers, and all of them are legitimate.
Range here is an estimate under one reference ride, not a measurement. Yours will differ with terrain, weight, tyres and weather, which is what the range calculator is for.
Tell me when either of these gets cheaper
One email when a price moves on a bike you are watching. Nothing else.